Staten Islanders learn to feel the burn at Slim Down

Staten Island Advance/Anthony DePrimoNeighbors Kim Avilez, left, and Antoinette Hedge, both of Grasmere, partner up for last night's fitness challenge at the College of Staten Island during the second annual Staten Island Slim Down.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- There was anticipation, excitement and a bit of nervousness in the air last night as around 200 borough residents participated in the first "fitness surprise" of the Staten Island Slim Down, a free 10-week program aimed at helping Islanders lose weight and regain their lives.

"We want to give people inspiration, motivation, information and a supportive environment. After 10 weeks, your life will not be the same," Slim Down co-founder Tony Books Avilez said before starting the hour-long workout in the College of Staten Island's gymnasium.

Avilez, who runs Staten Island Boot Camp, led the surprise workout, which was revealed to participants at the event. The hope, he explained, is that people will not skip the weekly sessions based on preconceived notions of different types of exercise.

The night consisted of boot camp-style exercises including push-ups, lunges, jumping jacks, squats, burpees, planks and mountain climbers. There were also partner and group activities, including a large conga line that made its way across the gym.

The exercises were done in one-minute intervals with stops in between. For many of the participants, it was their first workout session in quite some time.

"It was exhilarating, a great workout, especially for someone who hasn't worked out in three years," said Chris Marchionne of Great Kills. "I just want to get in better health and tone up and slim down."

Dena Galvin of Great Kills admitted she was a bit nervous about the first exercise session and was hoping for Zumba. But afterward, she still had a smile on her face.

"I want to be more active," Mrs. Galvin said. "I have three kids [ages 5 and under] and I'm trying to fit in time to take care of me. If I can't take care of myself, I can't take care of them."

Monica Valentine of West Brighton wanted to learn exercises she could practice at home. She was also looking forward to making new friends. "We're all in the same boat," she said, asking, "What do I have to lose?"

A lot of weight, is the hope for all those who joined the Slim Down. Around 180 people signed up as contestants -- those in the running to win monetary and other prizes -- and about 1,200 have signed on as participants; they're not eligible for the prizes, but have the same access to events and online information.

Those still looking to join the Slim Down can sign up as participants at statenislandslimdown.com. The next fitness surprise will be Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. at the College of Staten Island.

"I hope that they open their minds about different kinds of exercise," Avilez said. "That they get the important incentives of exercise and also start to embrace the fact that exercise can be fun and doesn't have to be drudgery. It can be intense and still be a good time."